ALEXANDER FORREST - The Explorers

Bronze Relief Sculpture: 6 x 3 m High, Forrest Centre, Perth WA 1986

 

• The original intention of this work was to express the great energy of the men and times of the late 1800's during the intense development of Perth as a modern city, in a powerful 3 dimensional bronze Sculpture, literally exploding onto the pavement of the contemporary 1986, when it was constructed.

 

• Unfortunately budget restrictions caused major down-sizing of the project so that a sand cast bronze relief was only possible. The sculpture is essentially an historical narrative of the times.

 

• Three men on horse back symbolise the many exploration parties led by Alexander Forrest who would have been seen riding out from this exact spot during those years. The sculpture captures a moment in time, as it were, giving an impression of the activity and including an Aboriginal figure representing such men as Tommy Windich or Billy Nonngal, some of the highly valued members of the Forrest Team.

Joan Walsh-Smith

Charles Smith